What You Should Never Put In Your Will Uk

Things to Avoid Including in Your Will in the U

When creating a will in the UK, it is important to carefully consider what you include and what you leave out. Here are some things that you should avoid including in your will:

• Funeral instructions: While it is common to express preferences for your funeral arrangements, it is not legally binding to include them in your will. It is recommended to discuss your wishes with your loved ones separately.
• Conditional gifts: A conditional gift is one that is given on the condition that the beneficiary meets certain requirements. It is better to avoid these types of gifts as they can create confusion and even legal disputes.
• Illegal instructions: It goes without saying that any illegal or unethical instructions should not be included in your will. This includes instructions to perform illegal activities or disinherit someone based on their race, sexuality, or religion.
• Jointly owned assets: If you own assets jointly with someone else, such as a property or bank account, these assets will automatically pass to the surviving owner and not be covered by your will. It is important to review your joint ownership arrangements to ensure your wishes align with your will.
• Charitable gifts without proper documentation: If you wish to leave a gift to a charity, it is important to ensure that you provide the necessary details, such as the charity’s registered name and charity number. Without this information, your gift may not be carried out.

Remember, creating a will is an important legal document that determines how your assets will be distributed after your death. It is always advised to seek professional advice when drafting your will to ensure that it is valid and meets your intentions.

Personal Passwords and PIN Code

When creating a will, it is important to think about what information should and should not be included. One piece of information that should never be included in your will are your personal passwords and PIN codes.

Your personal passwords and PIN codes are meant to be kept confidential and are used to protect your personal information and financial accounts. Including them in your will can put your assets and sensitive information at risk.

Why You Should Not Include Personal Passwords and PIN Codes in Your Will

There are several reasons why you should not include your personal passwords and PIN codes in your will:

1. Security: Including this sensitive information in your will can compromise your online security and make it easier for someone to gain unauthorized access to your accounts.
2. Changing Passwords and PIN Codes: Your passwords and PIN codes may change frequently, and including them in your will can quickly become outdated and useless.
3. Privacy: Your will becomes a public document after your death, and including passwords and PIN codes can result in your personal information being accessed by individuals you may not have wanted to have that information.

What to Do Instead

Instead of including your personal passwords and PIN codes in your will, consider the following alternatives:

• Secure Document: Store your passwords and PIN codes in a separate, secure document that is kept in a safe place. This document should include instructions for accessing your accounts in the event of your death.
• Password Manager: Consider using a reputable password manager to store your passwords and PIN codes. This way, you can securely access your accounts and easily update your login information as needed.
• Executor Knowledge: Share important information about your accounts and passwords with your executor, but do not include sensitive information directly in your will. Your executor will need this information to carry out their duties and distribute your assets accordingly.

By keeping your personal passwords and PIN codes separate from your will and taking steps to ensure their security, you can protect your assets and personal information while still providing necessary instructions for your executor.

Conditional Gifts and Request

When creating a will in the UK, it’s important to understand the concept of conditional gifts and requests. A conditional gift or request is a provision in your will that requires a specific condition to be met before the gift or request can take effect.

One common example of a conditional gift is leaving money or property to a beneficiary on the condition that they get married or reach a certain age. For instance, you may specify that your child will inherit a certain sum of money once they turn 25 years old.

Conditional gifts can be a source of complication and potential disputes. It’s essential to carefully consider the conditions you include in your will and ensure they are clear, unambiguous, and practical. If the conditions are too vague or impossible to fulfill, a court may not uphold them.

Potential Issues with Conditional Gifts

There are several potential issues that can arise with conditional gifts and requests in a will. Firstly, the condition itself may become invalid over time. For example, if you leave money to a charity on the condition that it exists in 10 years, but the charity ceases to operate before that time, the gift may fail.

Another issue may arise if the condition is too difficult or expensive to fulfill. For instance, if you leave a property to your nephew under the condition that he completes a specific degree, but the cost of the degree becomes insurmountable, it may create problems for the executor and beneficiaries.

Seek Professional Advice

Given the potential complexities and challenges that can arise with conditional gifts and requests, it’s highly recommended to seek professional advice when drafting your will. An experienced solicitor can guide you through the process, help you avoid common pitfalls, and ensure your wishes are properly documented and legally sound.

Remember, a will is a legally binding document, and any mistakes or unclear provisions can have significant consequences for your loved ones. Taking the time to seek professional advice can provide you with peace of mind that your wishes will be carried out as intended.

Burial Instruction

When creating your will, it is important to consider your burial instructions. While it may seem obvious to include these details in your will, it is actually recommended to leave burial instructions outside of the will itself.

Why not include burial instructions in your will?

There are several reasons why it is not advisable to include burial instructions in your will:

1. Timing: Wills are typically read after the funeral has taken place, which means that your burial instructions may not be known until it is too late.

2. Accessibility: Wills are usually stored in a safe place, and it may take some time for your loved ones to gain access to it. By the time they do, it may be too late to follow your burial wishes.

3. Distribution: Wills deal with the distribution of assets and property, and burial arrangements are a separate matter. Including burial instructions in your will can cause confusion and delay in the execution of your wishes.

What should you do instead?

Instead of including burial instructions in your will, it is recommended to create a separate document that outlines your wishes. This document can be easily accessible to your loved ones and can be shared with them before your passing.

You should make sure to inform your loved ones about the existence and location of this document. You may also want to provide them with a copy or keep it with other important documents.

Conclusion

While creating a will is crucial for ensuring your assets are distributed according to your wishes, it is best to keep burial instructions separate. By creating a separate document, you can ensure that your loved ones have access to your wishes and that your burial arrangements are carried out without any confusion or delay.

Funeral Wishe

When drafting your will, it is important to consider your funeral wishes. While your will may not be legally binding for funeral arrangements, it can serve as a guideline for your loved ones. Here are some suggestions for what you may want to include in your will regarding your funeral:

It is important to regularly review and update your funeral wishes as your preferences may change over time. Additionally, it is advisable to discuss your funeral wishes with your loved ones to ensure that they are aware of your desires and can carry them out to the best of their abilities.

Unlawful Request

When creating your will in the UK, it is important to remember that there are certain requests that are considered unlawful and cannot be included. These unlawful requests may go against the laws of the country or be deemed against public policy.

1. Forced Disinheritance: It is unlawful to force someone to be disinherited in your will. This means that you cannot include a provision that specifically states someone should be excluded from inheriting or receiving their rightful share of the estate.

2. Discrimination: It is against the law to discriminate against someone based on their race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or disability. This means that you cannot include discriminatory clauses in your will that exclude certain individuals from inheriting or receiving their fair share.

3. Illegal Activities: You cannot include requests in your will that involve or condone illegal activities. This includes requests to hide or distribute illegal assets, money laundering, or any other unlawful actions.

4. Conditional Gifts: While it is generally acceptable to leave gifts or legacies to individuals with specific conditions, there are certain conditions that may be deemed unlawful. For example, you cannot condition a gift based on someone divorcing their spouse or joining a particular religion.

5. Parental Responsibility: You cannot use your will to assign parental responsibility for your children. This is a decision that can only be made through legal channels such as a court-appointed guardian or through a proper legal agreement.

It is important to seek legal advice when creating your will to ensure that it follows all legal requirements and does not include any unlawful requests. A qualified solicitor can guide you through the process and make sure your wishes are carried out in a lawful and appropriate manner.

Q&A

What are some things that should never be included in a will in the UK?

There are several things that should never be included in a will in the UK. These include illegal or immoral requests, conditional gifts, funeral arrangements, and joint property.

Can I include my funeral arrangements in my will?

No, you should not include your funeral arrangements in your will. This is because the will is generally not read until after the funeral has taken place, so including these instructions in your will may cause confusion.

Is it legal to include conditional gifts in a will?

No, it is not legal to include conditional gifts in a will. Conditional gifts are gifts that are given on the condition that the beneficiary does something specific, such as getting married or divorcing. These types of gifts are not enforceable in the UK.

Can I leave my joint property to someone in my will?

No, you cannot leave your joint property to someone in your will. Joint property automatically passes to the surviving joint owner, so it does not form part of your estate and cannot be distributed through your will.

What should I do if I want to make changes to my will?

If you want to make changes to your will, you should create a new one or make a codicil, which is a legal document that modifies your existing will. It is important to follow the correct procedures to ensure that your changes are legally valid.

Can I include my funeral wishes in my will?

Yes, you can include your funeral wishes in your will, but it is generally recommended to mention them separately in a letter of wishes.